The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1887-11-02
BOTH MISTAKEN.

think Agnes said something about ex-
pecting youl"
"ThaEk you, SIR" Jack Hardy said,
throwing down his pen with alacrity.
"Ipromised to bring Agnes some books.
I'll be ready in a moment"
every Good" And Mr. Dalton took
upa handful of letters, glanced at them
carelessly, threw some to Michael Anger,
the chief clerk, and put the others, un-
opened, into his pockets, while Jack ran
his fingers through his crisp curls, and
turned down his cuffs, as the only pos
sible improvement to his toilet.
Mr.. Dalton was tall, portly, genial
gentleman, with rosy face, CHEEKY
voice and kindly smile. He was the
principal lawyer in Westwood, flour
ishing country town; he was an estate
agent, too, and was altogether highly
prosperous and respected gentleman.
There was traditional Mr.. Driver, the
head of the firm, but as no one ever saw
him no one thought much about him,
except, perhaps, Michael Anger, who
knew that he was very unpleasant
reality.
Mr. Dalton was widower, with one
daughter, Agnes, who kept his house,
and Jack Hardy was distant cousin,
whom the lawyer had brought up from
childhood, and placed in his office, with
every prospect of succeeding to the old
established and lucrative business. Jack
was shy, and somewhat awkward. He
was plain looking too, save for his frank,
honest blue eyes, and crisp brown hair; {;
but he was clever and ambitious, patient
and pains-taking in the Office, and en-
tirely devoted to his master. Everyone
liked Jack Hardy; even dumb animals
understood how good and gentle he was
and all the other clerks in the office i'm
posed on him in n way that proved how
much faith they had in his patience and
generosity. No one envied him for
being such favorite with his master,
for his interest was exerted on behalf of
Others rather than himself. Nor did the
clerks resent his being so much at Rose
dene; in all probability he would be one
day master there. Only Michqel Anger
thought seriously about the matter: and
he often wondered how it would all end
for poor Jack, who was quite capable of
falling desperately in love with Agnes
Dalton, though in no way calculated to
win her love in return.
'My hope is Miss Agnes the old clerk
said, as he watched his master and Jack
drive away that sunny afternoon. "She's
too good and wise to encourage the lad
in folly, or allow him to dclude himself:
but | wish the master would open his
eyes, and see that they're not children
any longer" He had been cutting open
the letters before him, and glancing at
their contents mechanically. Suddenly
he started, and look of trouble came
into his eyes, which increased as he re-
read the letter, and then put it in his
pocket. Past post time" he said,
gancing at the clock; nothing to be
done to-day and Mr.. Dalton must see to
the matter himself on Monday. It's gone
beyond my management"
Meantime Mr.. Dalton and Jack were
driving along the beautiful shady road
leading to Rosedene. ''It's good to get
home" the lawyer said, with deep sigh
of satisfaction, as he drove up the we'll
rolled drive. There are not many pref
tier spots than Rosedene."
Jack thought there was no place to be
compared to it, especially when Agnes
stood on the steps smiling a welcome
She was not in sight that afternoon, but
Jack knew where to look for her
Taking the books, he crossed the
lawn with light, firm step, smil-
ing unconsciously in very gladness
of heart, because the world was
so beautiful and every one so kind. 'pl
find her either in the summer house or
the wo d, he slid aloud; b It the sum
mer- house was deserted. "All tie bet er
we shall have the longer walk back, " he /.
as he eros ed a meadow, and +
a small, thickly planted c1pse.
spoken of as 'the Wood 1t .
was Agnes Dalton's fayOrite retreat when .
sha wanted to read and think; no one .
ever accompanied her there except Jo. |
her favorite dog, or followed her except /
Cousin Jack, who was privileged to 90 .
where he liked, and do as he liked, at
RoSedene. After few minutes he found .
herk seated on a moSsy bank under the
shelter of the trees, absorbed in a book.
She had thrown off her hat and laid aside
her sunshade; the light fell on her soft,
fair hair, turning it TO gold, and irradi-
lted her calm, sweet face; her white
dress CLEANED amid the'coOl, tall ferns,
and there was most impressive air of
rest and stiffness all round, with a subtle
)dor OF 1owers and n drOwsy hum of in
sect life. Jack gazed for few minutes
through an opening in the tall trees, and
his heart seemed to stand still. Agnes
ooked so calm, so beautiful, so like an
angel, with The sunshine making a golden
glory about her that he was frightened
1t his own presumption in loving her;
and yet, how could he help it? She was
20 kind and gracious, AM. tender and
pitiful. All mans lifaMight he well
ipent in loving her, all his nature en-
lobhd, even if he was never fortunate
enough to win anything in return.
With very unusual humility, Jack
lrew near. 10 blinked his great brown
Eyes, and waggei lis tail lazily, but
Agnes never looked up; and in that one
minute Jack somehow ie,t that she was
arther from him, more out Of his reach,
more sacred than she had ever seemed
before. AT last he made slight noise
~ treading down bramble, and Agnes
ooked up with a smile of wacome.
"Home so soon, Jackg" she said, with